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Carew Stadium preps for World Baseball Classic

Carew Stadium preps for World Baseball Classic

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By Jose Pineda
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Special to MLB.com |

Rod Carew Stadium in Panama is gearing up to be one of the main stages for the qualifying round of the World Baseball Classic, where four nations will be playing November 15-19 for the right to play in the main tournament in March.

The field is starting to take shape after the initial two days of installing the grass. Over 100,000 yards of grass will be placed on the field over four days.

"The sod arrived in great shape, it is brand new, fast and of excellent cut", said Alex Rodriguez, in charge of the renovations on the field.

Rod Carew Stadium, named after the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star for the Minnesota Twins and the California Angels, will be the venue for the qualifying round of the next World Baseball Classic. Colombia, Brazil, Nicaragua and Panama square off for the only spot in the main tournament.

Renovations are also taking place on the drainage, sprinkler system and clubhouses.

The stadium, which opened in October of 1999 and cost $20 million to build, holds 27,000 with 69 suites, 21 radio booths, one press box, conference rooms and 16 ticket windows.

Panama will open the qualifying round against Brazil on Nov. 15.

Jose Pineda is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.